Staff Directory

Executive

Sandra McDonough

President & CEO

Sandra McDonough joined OBI as president and CEO in October 2018. Previously, she served 14 years as the president and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance, which under her leadership, became the Portland-metro area’s most prominent and impactful business organization. Earlier, she spent two decades in the energy industry, holding executive-level positions at PG&E Corporation and PacifiCorp. She also worked for a decade as a newspaper reporter, with stints at The Oregonian and the Seattle Times. McDonough holds bachelor’s degrees in German and journalism from the University of Oregonian, and she has extensive experience serving on nonprofit boards. Currently, she serves on the board of New Avenues for Youth, a Portland-based organization providing housing, education and job training for homeless and at-risk youth.

Government Affairs

Megan Chrisman

Megan Chrisman has eight years of experience working with the Oregon Legislature. Before joining OBI, she served in various legislative roles. Most recently she served as the Senate Republican caucus legislative director, developing policy agendas and strategic messaging, tracking key issues, and providing policy expertise. In previous policy roles, her emphasis was on issues related to business, transportation, environment, energy, and education. Megan has experience running campaigns for both the House and Senate Republicans in a variety of roles including campaign strategy, messaging, and fundraising. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oregon. Megan resides in Wilsonville with her husband and their dog, Jax.

Abbie Laugtug

Abbie Laugtug joins OBI with 16 years of lobbying experience at the state, regional and international levels. Most recently, she spent six years representing the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) as the team leader on federal appropriations issues, the federal budget and NRECA’s international program. She also has worked for business-related organizations and trade associations lobbying on energy, health care and international development issues. Abbie is from Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Paloma Sparks

Paloma brings more than 15 years of experience working with the Oregon Legislature, most recently as the director of government affairs and general counsel for Oregon Resource Association. Previously, she was the legislative director for the Bureau of Labor and Industries. She is an attorney with a wide breadth of knowledge and background in employment and labor issues. She also has extensive experience in the areas of land use and transportation. Paloma attended the University of Oregon, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Juris Doctor. Paloma is a native Oregonian. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring all that Oregon has to offer.

Mike Stober

Director, Government Affairs - Policy Focus Tax & Fiscal

Mike offers a decade of tax and fiscal policy experience as a staff member for several U.S. Congressmen. He served as U.S. Representative Erik Paulsen’s (R-Minn.) legislative director and tax policy advisor for the last four years and was responsible for the daily operations of the Congressman’s Washington, D.C. office. Prior to his time in Congressman Paulsen’s office, Mike served as an economic and communications advisor to U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.). Mike has also held positions in the private sector in addition to his government service, including deputy director of public policy at MetLife and senior public policy specialist at the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP. A native of North Carolina, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Membership and Operations

Mike Beyrouty

Chief Operating Officer

Mike Beyrouty (BS, Western Oregon University) oversees OBI’s operations, programs, business development and membership. Before joining Oregon Business & Industry (OBI), Mike was a partner at Aldrich Benefits and director of its employee benefits division. At Aldrich Benefits, he worked closely with OBI as its consultant for the OBI HealthChoice Trust. Mike served in the Oregon Army National Guard for nine years, serving in the infantry for six years and three years leading an artillery team. He was deployed to the Middle East during Operation Iraqi Freedom and New Orleans to aid in the relief effort of Hurricane Katrina.

Frances F. Ford

Membership Representative

Frances has extensive sales and marketing experience (including being the first female in yacht sales!), and she applies this experience in her efforts to expand the OBI family of member businesses. “I love the variety of people and businesses that I encounter in my outreach,” she said. “Hearing of their personal struggles and accomplishments reinforces my belief in the quote, ‘Service is the rent we pay to live here on earth.’ Being a part of that voice gives me great pride.” Frances has bred and raced thoroughbreds, and has raised and shown (and of course, loved) Boston Terriers. She thinks Oregon is the best place in the world to call home.

Jackie Haugen

Assistant to the President

Jackie performs administrative duties for the president, chief financial officer and executive management team, as well as for the OBI board of directors and executive committee, and the boards of the Foundation, HealthChoice Plan and Trust, Prosperity PAC, and Service Corporation. She’s been employed with the organization since 1986, and has developed many friendships in her work over the years. When asked what she enjoys about Oregon, Jackie replied, “I love the scenic beauty and variety, the mild climate that helps everything grow abundantly, and the informal lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest.”

Gayle McCornack

Membership Representative

Gayle (B.A., Pacific University; graduate work in Psychology at Lewis & Clark College) spends her days promoting the many advantages of an OBI membership to the Oregon business community. She comes to OBI with a background in private and non-profit development. “I really enjoy working with the diverse population of business owners and CEOs throughout the state,” she said. In her spare time, Gayle enjoys gardening, traveling and interior design projects around the house. She loves Oregon for its diverse environments, Portland’s thriving cultural scene and a climate that supports outside activities year-round…mostly!

Gary Nash

Contract Consultant - Membership Representative

Gary (B.S., University of Wisconsin) joined the organization in 2008, and has been engaged ever since in growing and enhancing membership and participation. He previously worked with other State Chambers and State Manufacturing Associations. “One of the things I like most about my job is the challenge of convincing business owners and managers to invest in a competitive Oregon business climate,” Gary said. A longtime Green Bay Packers fan, Gary loves to spend time on Oregon’s rivers, casting flies to willing trout.

Patti Winter

Portland Office Operations Manager

Patti has been with the organization since 2011, greeting visitors at the front desk of the Portland office and helping with human resources, office management, membership services and finances. Patti also plays a major role in event planning. Previously, she worked in alumni relations at Central Catholic High.

Finance

Erin Murphy

Chief Financial Officer

Erin (P.B.S. Accounting, Linfield College; B.S., Oregon State University) comes from a background in health care management. When she’s not working to keep OBI’s finances in order, Erin likes horseback riding, camping and hiking. “I love the diversity of the Oregon landscape,” she says. “Here in the valley, we’re lucky to live so close to the ocean and the mountains at the same time, and enjoy perfect summer weather.”

Kelly Comm

Finance Support Specialist

Kelly supports all accounts payable and receivable functions and processes. She assists the chief financial officer with special projects and is a notary public. Kelly joined OBI in 2017. Prior to working at OBI, Kelly was executive administrative assistant and client service manager for Blue Water Wealth, a financial planning and coordinated asset management team. Kelly appreciates the variety of landscapes and weather in Oregon. She has a passion for horses and enjoys hiking and wine tasting.

Marketing Communications

Tonia Holowetzki

Marketing Communications Director

Tonia Holowetzki (MS, University of Oregon; BA, Marylhurst University) leads OBI’s communications strategy, managing digital platforms, media relations, public relations and grassroots communications. Tonia’s career spans multiple sectors, including health care, education, business and philanthropy. Prior to joining OBI, Tonia was the communications and development director at Chalkboard Project. She has held leadership positions in communications and marketing at Grantmakers for Education, International Society for Technology in Education and Acumentra Health. She is a tennis enthusiast and loves taking long weekend walks with her husband and German Shepherd. Her favorite place is the Oregon Coast.

Katie Christensen

Marketing Associate

Katie (M.B.A., University of Phoenix; B.S., Northern Arizona University) manages the OBI database, website, newsletters and marketing materials for all areas of the organization. She joined the organization in 2006, and enjoys the dynamic nature of her job; “Things are always changing,” she says. An avid outdoorswoman, Katie enjoys white water rafting, running, triathlons and camping. “Oregon, with its rivers and seasons, is a great place for outdoor adventures,” Katie adds.

PAC

James L. Wilson

Contract Consultant

James (B.S., Willamette University) administers OBI’s Political Action Committee. “I’ve always worked at the intersection of business and politics,” he said. “I find satisfaction solving problems and achieving outcomes that facilitate business and job growth.” An avid Ducks football fan, J.L. looks forward to Saturdays at Autzen Stadium, spending time with his wife at the coast and watching his kids grow up.